Time is going by faster and faster, or so it seems. Years ago, this idea of time flying by quickly was expressed by older folks, but we youngsters were sure they had no idea what they were talking about. Now, it seems they were on to something. Do you remember Y2K? That was over a quarter of a century ago! Do you realize that summer is right around the corner. Didn’t we just do summer? “Teach us to number our days” (Psa. 90:12) seems more and more profound. These realities about time reminds us of Jesus’ practical and very wise statement in the Sermon on the Mount. He said, “do not be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will take care of itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matt. 6:34).
The Point Jesus is Making. It is clear that no one can live next Tuesday today. This word from Jesus is in the context of constantly seeking (present tense) the righteousness and kingdom of God. Seeking God’s kingdom is evident when our focus is on obeying Him. Those who live in obedience are given the guarantee that the Father will take care of them in all matters. No need to worry about tomorrow. The Father’s promise to take care of His children who are seeking Him is designed to reduce stress and worry. Each day will certainly have its own challenges, but the Lord says that He will take care of us. He is, after all, our Good Shepherd. He will never leave us or forsake us. When we live in obedience, He will give us what we need to live well today. We cannot live tomorrow and so often what we think will take place tomorrow, never does materialize anyway. We have needlessly used up a lot of mental and emotional energy. What we have is today, and we really need to focus on living today in the will of God. As a new “today” dawns, it ought to see us attentively looking to the Lord for direction. What might the Holy Spirit bring to our attention, as to who we might contact, pray for, witness to or support today. It may well include what God has blessed us with, enjoying what God has given us and giving Him praise for His goodness towards us. But worrying about what might come, is simply not the way we are to be living. The Father will take care of His children.
Future Planning? Of course, planning for the future has its place. And Jesus’ statement does not rule that out. However, James does remind believers that all planning should be “if the Lord wills, we shall live and also do this or that” (James 4:13-15). Planning is fine, but being anxious about the future is not fine. Worry is not to characterizes a child of God. Long ago a little chorus said, “why worry when you can pray.” Many of us change that to “why pray when you can worry.” Such a change usually produces anxieties.
Living in the Past. One cannot live in the future (tomorrow), nor is one to live in the past. The Apostle Paul stated that as he lived his life he did so “forgetting what lies behind” (Phil. 3:13). His point was that past failures or past successes are not to be our focus and are not to dictate present living. For some believers, this is a particularly critical matter. Some constantly relive their failures, while others try and hold onto past victories. Jesus is not telling believers that reflecting on God’s past dealings with them is to be avoided. It is a wonderful thing to think deeply about the lavish grace of God and the richness of His mercies towards us; to remember answered prayer and His interventions in our lives. Memories as these are grand and glorious. But we cannot live back there, especially if it detracts from living today.
Living in the Future. While living next month today is not possible, there is a place for thinking about the future. But the focus is not to be on the uncertainties of what may come our way. Rather it must be on the certainty of what God has promised His children. This goes a long way in giving strength for living today. Having a “two-world” view is a biblical way to live. We, of course, do not know what will happen tomorrow or next week in our lives. The Lord does. But the Lord has chosen to reveal some of our future in His prophetic Word. For example, we know that death (or rapture) brings us immediately into the present of the Lord Jesus. At death, we do not walk through the valley of the shadow of death or go through some long, dark tunnel. We are immediately in the presence of the glorious Lord. Furthermore, we know that God’s intention is to return us to the Edenic condition, and this begins when He brings in the marvelous millennial reign of King Jesus. And after that is the amazing future kingdom of God on a new earth (Rev. 21:1). This focus on these future certainties can have a powerful impact on the way we think and live today.
If you happen to be anxious about tomorrow (which we all are inclined to do from time to time), then a meditative review of Matthew 6:25-34 will prove to be encouraging and enlightening. Our Heavenly Father is fully knowledgeable of our situation and has promised to take care of us. If, in the days ahead, you find yourself becoming anxious, fearful, stressed or worried, then return again to Matthew 6. Life will always have difficulties, but we always have our attentive Heavenly Father.